Research Foci

Life History of Fishes

Despite the fact that fishes are important components of all aquatic habitats, both ecologically and economically, their taxonomic diversity and complex life histories make them one of the most poorly known vertebrates. If we are to be successful in the conservation, restoration and management of fish populations it is critical that we have an enhanced understanding of their life history. To that end, our research at the Rutgers University Marine Field Station attempts to enhance our understanding of estuarine and marine fishes along the east coast of the U.S. and especially in the Middle Atlantic Bight. The most comprehensive summary of our progress to date was the publication of a book entitled “The First Year in the Life of Estuarine Fishes in the Middle Atlantic Bight” (Able and Fahay 1998) which treats 70 species.

 

Most recently, we have expanded the number of species treated and provided a synthesis of major components for estuarine fishes. This is located in a new book entitled “Ecology of Estuarine Fishes: Temperate Waters of the Western Atlantic” (Able and Fahay 2010). In an attempt to make this a “living document” we will be providing reviews, corrections, updates, and insightful anecdotes, which can be found here.

 

• Able, K.W. and M.P. Fahay. 1998. The First Year in the Life of Estuarine Fishes in the Middle Atlantic Bight. Rutgers University Press. 342 p.
• Able, K. W. and M. P. Fahay. 2010. Ecology of Estuarine Fishes: Temperate Waters of the Western North Atlantic. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 566 p.